The Challenge The marine ecosystems face a silent yet destructive threat: the accumulation of marine litter, heavily dominated by “ghost nets”—fishing gear (such as nets, longlines, and traps) that have been lost, abandoned, or discarded at sea. These ghost nets, combined with single-use plastics, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and discarded consumer waste on the seabed,…
The Challenge Marine ecosystems globally are under severe pressure from fragmented management, overfishing, and habitat degradation, which threaten the long-term health of our seas. There is a critical need to transition from isolated, short-term conservation actions to permanent, evidence-based governance through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs). These designated…
The Challenge Mediterranean marine life faces multiple threats. Rising sea temperatures, declining water quality, overfishing, and pollution are just a few of the factors that affect aquatic life. Yet many islands lack the foundational data required to detect or respond to these challenges. In Kalymnos, coastal habitats like rocky reefs and Posidonia meadows are subject…
The Challenge Improper waste management is a major driver of global water pollution, with pharmaceuticals emerging as a particularly toxic but often invisible threat to aquatic ecosystems. In Greece, millions of medicine boxes expire unused every year, and a lack of public awareness means many are flushed or thrown into common bins, eventually leaching into…
The challenge The underwater ecosystem of Santorini is a vibrant and diverse marine environment shaped by the island’s volcanic origin, and while the Caldera is a breathtaking sight to behold, its waters and underwater caves are also home for local fish species, sponges, sea urchins. Τhis delicate ecosystem faces significant environmental challenges influenced by multiple…
The challenge Plastic pollution poses a significant environmental threat to the Cyclades and the Greek seas. Marine animals are in danger as they can suffocate on plastic materials or ingest them, mistaking plastic for food. At the same time, plastics break down into microplastics, which enter the food chain when consumed by small organisms like…
The challenge: Lack of understanding of environmental issues is a key challenge that needs to be overcome in order to change behaviors and engage more people in the preservation of the environment. Disconnection between young people and nature is a serious obstacle that deepens the lack of awareness towards the environmental challenges. In Cyclades, where…
The challenge Medicine waste and its improper disposal is a global challenge. Improper medicine disposal leads to soil, air and especially marine pollution. Every year in Greece, more than 40,000,000 boxes of medicines, which are worth over €1,000,000,000 expire in homes and are thrown away, polluting the aquatic environment and/or contributing to climate change. Substances,…
The challenge The Cycladic islands and their marine waters are unique ecosystems that require special support in order to sustain and protect them. However, economic development, population growth, overfishing, uncontrolled construction, pollution and climate change significantly increase risks for marine and coastal habitats, assets and ecosystems. The solution Providing capacity building opportunities to local fishers is essential…
The challenge The challenge of overfishing is a significant concern that intersects with the development of fishing tourism. Fishing tourism, while offering economic opportunities and cultural experiences, also presents several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its sustainability and minimize negative impacts. The solution Training fishermen about the benefits of fishing tourism, provides…
